It’s all about keeping the secrets these days. Whether it be about Harry Potter or Orange is the New Black, no one wants spoilers to be revealed. Off-Broadway’s biggest secret is White Rabbit Red Rabbit at the Westside Theatre right on 43rd Street in New York City. Well, what is it? There’s no answer for that until you’ve witnessed it. The audience doesn’t know, the actor doesn’t know. Let’s say it’s a leap into the rabbit hole. On August 1st, Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera), became the actor to take on the challenge of Iranian writer, Nassim Soleimanpour’s play, White Rabbit Red Rabbit.

Karimloo knew nothing of what he was about to perform, until he retrieved the script from an manila envelope on-stage in front of 233 audience members in attendance. The words written on the page would be a complete surprise to both parties in the room. Although, earlier in the day on his social media pages, Karimloo hinted that he would need to be able to impersonate an Ostrich. As the play began, Karimloo seemed to effortlessly create a positive energy in the room, warming up to the crowd, as they did the same.

Without giving away details of what occurs on-stage, Karimloo had the audience laughing, cheering; responding to imitations, lines, and side-comments. There were also moments of suspense and seriousness, where all ears in the intimate theatre were listening to each and every detail. He was able to paint the picture of Soleimanpour’s sentences; delivering the piece with craft, while also having the ability to break script when called for.

The 75-minute piece gave the opportunity for Karimloo and the audience to become present. By the end, the entire room had just experienced a story which can never be experienced in the same way again. Soon enough, the audience was instructed to exit the theatre, and that was the conclusion of White Rabbit Red Rabbit. In summary, an unforgettable theater event.

White Rabbit Red Rabbit is an immersive piece of work that is unlike any other theater performance in New York City.